Smoky Hunter's Bean Medley
Indulge in the robust flavors of Smoky Hunter's Bean Medley, a delightful dish that combines savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a variety of hearty beans, all cooked together to perfection in a slow cooker. This comforting recipe is perfect for a cozy gathering or a family dinner, embodying the essence of home-cooked warmth. Each bite is infused with hickory smoke and a touch of sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal that will surely impress!
6
Servings
480
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (cooked until no pink remains)
Crumbled fried bacon
3/4 lb (cooked and crumbled)
Chopped onion
1 cup (fresh)
Ketchup
1 cup (none)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Hickory liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (none)
Pork and beans
1 (1 lb) can (drained)
Lima beans
1 (1 lb) can (drained)
Butter beans
1 (1 lb) can (drained)
Kidney beans
1 (1 lb) can (drained)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart, until browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, fry the bacon until crispy. Remove from heat, crumble, and set aside.
3
In a large crockpot, combine the cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, chopped onion, ketchup, brown sugar, black pepper, and hickory liquid smoke.
4
Add all the beans (pork and beans, lima beans, butter beans, kidney beans) to the crockpot. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5
Cover the crockpot, set it to low, and let it cook for 4 to 8 hours. The flavors will intensify the longer it cooks, yielding a deliciously smoky taste.
6
When ready to serve, give the beans a gentle stir and dish them out hot. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Information
28g
Fat
29g
Carbs
32g
Protein
6g
Fiber
3.3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Hunter's Bean Medley?
It is a robust, slow-cooked dish featuring ground beef, crispy bacon, and a variety of beans in a sweet and smoky sauce.
What types of beans are used in this recipe?
The medley includes pork and beans, lima beans, butter beans, and kidney beans.
How do I achieve the smoky flavor?
The smokiness comes from a combination of crispy bacon and one teaspoon of hickory liquid smoke.
What is the recommended cooking time in a slow cooker?
The dish should be cooked on low for 4 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to intensify.
Do I need to cook the meat before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, you must brown the ground beef and fry the bacon until crispy before combining them with other ingredients in the slow cooker.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the nutritional calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 480 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 32 grams of protein per serving.
Is there fiber in this bean medley?
Yes, each serving provides 6 grams of dietary fiber.
What are the suggested sides for this dish?
It is delicious when served with crusty bread or over a bed of white rice.
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Yes, ground turkey or ground pork can be used as a substitute for ground beef.
Should the beans be drained before adding to the pot?
Yes, the lima beans, butter beans, and kidney beans should be drained.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one cup of fresh chopped onion; yellow or white onions work best.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 3/4 lb of fried bacon that has been crumbled.
What gives the dish its sweetness?
The sweetness comes from 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar and 1 cup of ketchup.
Can I make this on a stovetop instead?
Yes, after browning the meat, you can simmer all ingredients in a large pot on low heat for about 45-60 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, the bean medley freezes very well and can be stored for up to 3 months.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 28 grams of fat.
How much ketchup is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 cup of ketchup.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Are the beans cooked before being added?
The recipe uses canned beans which are already cooked; they are heated through and flavored during the slow cooking process.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers or celery would make great additions to this hearty medley.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is smoky and sweet, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes if you want heat.
How many grams of sugar are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 3.3 grams of sugar.
What size cans of beans should I buy?
The recipe specifies 1 lb (approximately 15-16 oz) cans for each type of bean.
Can I use a different type of liquid smoke?
Yes, mesquite liquid smoke can be used if you prefer a different smoky profile than hickory.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Absolutely, it is designed for gatherings and is very easy to transport in a crockpot.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 29 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Should I use light or dark brown sugar?
Either will work, but dark brown sugar will provide a slightly deeper molasses flavor.